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Firefighters vouch for county's need for fire tax
I continue wonder why the citizens of Columbia County feel the way they feel regarding the fire tax. So far I have seen a lot of people who question the whole purpose of this tax, and ask why will their money be wasted like the stormwater tax.

County wins many emergency grants
Columbia County's Emergency Services Division received more than $500,000 in federal and state grants throughout 2003 to fund emergency prevention and response.

Student is undaunted by obstacles
Diagnosed with spina bifida, Sarah Williford got her first wheelchair when she was 2. But that doesn't slow her down. In life, she's going as fast as her wheels will take her.

Abandoned wolf hybrids unwelcome in Georgia
First, they were abandoned and left to fend for themselves. Then, the two wolf-hybrid dogs were found and nursed back to health. Now, because of a state law, their lives are threatened again.

County plans improvements for Wildwood Park
Improvements are under way at Columbia County's lakefront Wildwood Park, and officials hope that an ongoing plan to upgrade amenities in the 975-acre park will result in economic boost to the area.

Eagle Scout project
Justin McClendis made a sign for Augusta Urban Ministries for his Eagle Scout project. Justin, 16, is a Lakeside High School student and a member of Troop 56, which meets at Warren Baptist Church.

Idle dreams of a lotto loser
One of my favorite religious jokes goes like this: Know the difference between a Methodist and a Baptist? A Methodist will speak to you in the liquor store. (Hey, I was raised a Baptist, so don't beat me up too badly.)

Psalm for a new year
By the sound, Asaph, a musician in King Davids court and author of a number of Psalms, was as excited about a new moon in his day as we are about a new year in ours.

Taking the high road to Scotland
The gray clouds on the drive to the airport floated to the strains in my mind from the Scottish tune "You take the high road and I'll take the low road and I'll be in Scotland before ye..."

What does the future hold in school, pro sports?
Every year, like many of you, I have a list of New Year's resolutions. Well, not any more. Whether it's trying to lose weight or pay all my credit cards, things come up. Perhaps I ride by Wendy's, or my wife rides by Windsor Jewelers; either way, the resolutions are short-lived. So this year I've sworn off resolutions. Instead I will make some predictions.